CenturyLink turf passes FIFA 2-Star testing

The Sounders announced Friday that CenturyLink Field’s turf has passed FIFA 2-Star testing, giving it the highest rating possible. This comes as little surprise as new FieldTurf was installed a couple months ago.

The key will be how the surface holds up, especially with a busy schedule coming when football season starts.

Last year, the turf failed 2-Star testing, meaning it was a 1-Star surface. The language on FIFA’s website describes a 1-Star surface as “the demanding standard for amateur and grassroots football.” Hardly a professional standard.

The field certainly played that way for much of the 2011 season, which accelerated the need for new turf.

Most turf surfaces in MLS are 2-Star quality (Portland, Vancouver, New England). The turf at Olympic Stadium, Montreal’s temporary home venue, probably isn’t a 2-Star surface but (unless I’m mistaken) the expansion team will be moving into a new stadium with a grass surface later this season.

Here are some details on what the FIFA 2-Star testing consists of from the news release: “The FIFA certification process is conducted by an accredited laboratory and includes measurements to gauge shock absorption, foot stability, rotational resistance, linear friction and ball-to-surface interaction, among other items.”